Valve Cover gasket ?

[97ava]

I have a question about valve cover gaskets; I went to the mechanic today to have my oil changed, and when I went to go pick my car up they told me that my valve cover gaskets are leaking. Can anybody in layman's terms explain what purpose the valve cover gaskets serve? They said that the leaking caused a build up of oil on my engine. A while ago I posted a thread about a burning smell coming from my engine, could the burning smell be caused from the build up of oil from the leaking gaskets? The price quote that they gave me was about $400.00; $379.56 to be exact; this price includes parts & labor. Is this price reasonable or is it expensive? Your input is greatly appreciated in this manner. Thanks in Advance!

[greeksoccerboy]

i also had the same problem. i smelled a burning smell within about 5 minutes of driving and i also saw random oil spots on the driveway. I got it fixed, i don't know exactly how much it was for me but your price sounds very familiar. i also had all my belts, hoses, and many other things changed while it was in the shop. I don't know exactly what they do so i won't even bother saying anything just in case its wrong. =] best of luck to you though!

[coyota]

I guess that depends on what engine it is,, can you clearly see the valve cover? OR is thier more than one? Did you try tightening or snugging up the bolts or nuts up your self yet? HELL IT MIGHT BE AS SIMPLE AS JUST a slight turn of a nut or a twist of a allen key wrench which costs you 10.00 at a hardware store.. First thing would to to is get familuar with you engine find some diagrams or ask some one who knows.. GET THE MECHANIC TO SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHERE ITS LEAKING THE GET OUT THE SILICONE

I BUY ONLY OLDER EASY VEHICLES TO WORK ON

[toyomoho]

The engine uses valves to control the intake air and exhaust gases to the cylinders; camshafts control these valves. The cams, valves, etc are lubricated by engine oil that is forced up into the area by the oil pump. The valve cover encloses this system and has a gasket between the cover and cylinder head.

As the engine operates the oil ends up going everywhere beneath the cover and as such can leak out a little if the seal is bad or the cover is not bolted down enough.

Typically the amount of oil leakage is small resulting in an increasing messy engine and perhaps a spot of oil on the floor. It typically is not catastrophic as in all the oil will one day just run out leaving engine dry. If this leakage is only minor and does not bother you there is no hurry do this job.

The gaskets are not that expensive the issue is removing all the parts to remove the valve covers.

[cexsiman]

i posted not too long ago about my leaky valve cover gaskets. its a common thing that seems to roughly wear out. i paid 330 (or so i think) to get mine done a few months ago. it makes you feel a lot better when you dont smell burning oil when you are near your car. the rear bank is hard to get to and there are numerous posts on how-to's and such all over the forum. what kind of miles are on your engine? id say save yourself the headache and just take care of it.

My old post
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

i just got both of my banks done at firestone for 330 +/- i dont remember off hand, but in that ball park. again that was for BOTH FRONT AND REAR BANKS. when he quoted me that i did it right then and there. i was out talking with the mechanic and the rear bank was a major hastle to get at especially if you dont have the proper lighting and tools. i was leaking oil from my rear valve cover gasket and was going to put it off but i couldnt stand getting into a car that smelled like it was burning oil. i was very pleased to say that after much worry about sludge my motor was even cleaner than the pictures just been changing the oil fairly regularly, also i thrown in the occasional oil thickener, and a can of restore has been through the oil system.

id do it again in a heartbeat. (despite the fact i needed the repair) couldnt beat the price for ease of mind and a clean running car.



Edit: it was a 3 hour job that took about all three hours.

[captpfd]

I owned my 96 AVY for a week and smelled the same thing and then saw the very small leak coming from gasket. $220 later, no leak now, showed me old gasket, came with one year warranty. Not bad i guess, I just hope this dude doesn't nickel and dime me to death especially since it's my kids car.

[TMack409]

95 Avalon valve cover - intake - spark plug job pictoral